At a glance:
Ergobaby Adapt made the shortlist mainly because of the comfort factor, which was widely commented upon. Specifically the thickness of the straps was popular and the padding around baby’s joints meant that their legs were in the perfect M shaped position. That said, this doesn’t give you the option to wear it on your back like other carriers in this category.
Related: Best Baby Carrier
What they say:
"Our adjustable, newborn-ready Adapt baby carrier is all you need to get stuff done while bonding with your baby. It is adjustable from newborn to toddler, with crossable shoulder straps for a personalised fit and lumbar support for extra back comfort."
Tested by mum Kimberley Allanson for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Despite the hefty price tag, I would recommend the Ergobaby Adapt Baby Carrier to a fellow mum. This is because of its comfort - my baby sat in the carrier without upset, and the way it is designed meant it didn't put any strain on my back or shoulders. This afforded us opportunity to walk for longer than when we had used other carriers. Being able to use it with baby facing forward or back is good too as we could keep trips out interesting and fun. Also regarding foldability - the carrier folds up nice and small meaning it is easy to transport. Lastly, it is really easy to get baby in and out of the carrier, meaning we could stop and play at the park without thinking ‘I can't be bothered because it's a hassle getting baby back in the carrier!’
How did this product make your life easier?
This product makes my life easier as a mum for a number of reasons. Given how easy and comfortable the carrier was to wear once we had interpreted the instructions correctly, I found myself wearing it around the house whilst carrying out household chores. This wasn't the case with other carriers we've used, and it was nice to be able to keep my baby close by whilst doing chores. The fact the carrier was very comfortable meant we could walk for longer without having to take breaks and remove our baby from the carrier in order to have a rest.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes I think this product should win - I have used numerous baby carriers and this is by far the most comfortable for myself and my baby. The comfort-factor is what really makes it stand out from other carriers on the market. The carrier can be adapted and therefore can be used from newborn, and the instructions are easy to follow in relation to how the carrier can be altered as your baby grows. Although this is one of the more expensive carriers on the market, it will last for a number of years.
What changes would you make to this product?
The main issue I had with the product was the instructions. Some of the directions were a little hard to follow, but once we had understood them the carrier was easy to use. It was also a bit of a stretch to fasten the buckle at the back of the carrier once my baby was in position. I am not sure how you would solve such a problem though, as this does seem a bit of an issue on all carriers and therefore this wouldn't dissuade me from recommending the carrier to other mothers.
Tested by mum Lauren Davies for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend it as it was very comfortable and I can't believe how thick the straps are. It was so quick and easy to put on and adjust. I was more certain that my daughter’s legs were in the correct position than I have been with any other carrier I've used. I love the hood for when she falls asleep, so I know she can't jerk her head back and I can still see that she isn't suffocating.
How did this product make your life easier?
I found it very quick to put on which is essential for me, as my baby doesn't like being still and so putting this on and being ready to go in a few minutes was great as she wouldn't get fussy. I also found I could wear it longer than my other baby carrier as the straps were so padded! The Ergobaby Adapt Baby Carrier was very easy and quick to adjust after my partner had used it, which was very helpful.
Would you choose this product to win?
I could definitely feel that my baby’s legs were in a great position which made me feel at ease using the carrier. This was a worry with my normal carrier as I am never 100% certain that her legs were where they should be. As mentioned above, I also love how padded the straps are. The only negative point I have with this carrier is that I couldn't wear my baby on my back; I have done this with previous carriers and find it a great option for when I am cooking and have a clingy baby.
What changes would you make to this product?
As mentioned above, I wish I could have worn it on my back so when my baby is clingy and I'm cooking, I know she can't touch anything that could hurt her.
Tested by mum Sara Bower for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
Yes I would recommend to a friend or fellow mum. The carrier is very comfortable to wear and the adjustable positions are great for making sure your baby’s hips are in the best position. It definitely puts my mind at ease knowing that I am not damaging my baby’s joints, because it is specifically designed to be gentle on them. I think that there is a lack of knowledge out there on the importance of wearing a carrier correctly.
How did this product make your life easier?
Sometimes it is not convenient to take a pushchair out with the little one, like when walking the dog, and there are times when you just want to have your little one close. This carrier is perfect for this. I used the hip carry rather than the front carry as he’s outgrown being happy in the front carry position, but he loves the hip carry position – he can be close to me and see where we are going and what is happening around us.
Would you choose this product to win?
Yes I would, its comfortable for both me and my baby, it has a really good back support and well-padded straps. The options for the different carry positions are great and mean we will get much more use out of it – one he gets a little bigger my husband will wear him on his back. The design means it is safe on my baby's hip joints which is a big plus given his body is still developing.
What changes would you make to this product?
It’s not so much the product I would change as the instructions for use. I struggled to follow the instruction booklet for the hip carry and had to find a YouTube video to work it out. Also the booklet made no mention of how to correctly use the safety loops, I found this out from the video, therefore if I hadn’t watched the video, I would have done it up incorrectly.
Tested by mum Chloe Bentley for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
The Ergobaby Adapt was lightweight and relatively easy to use. I found it easier to put on and fasten than any other carriers or slings I have used in the past. I was very comfortable and my baby felt very secure. The design was perfect for allowing her to look around too.
How did this product make your life easier?
I found the Ergobaby Adapt made life easier as a mum as it allowed me to get out more. I found myself taking more walks as it was easier to just put baby in her carrier and go, rather than having to set the pram up. My daughter also seemed to sleep in her carrier which also was a bonus.
Would you choose this product to win?
I do think this product should win as the design really stood out for me. I loved the colour or the fabric and the design of the carrier. It was very comfortable to wear and easy to transport. My partner also used the carrier and was impressed and the design is very suitable for male wearers too. My baby seemed very supported and comfortable and I haven't felt like this with other carriers.
What changes would you make to this product?
I think the only thing that could be improved is the price; although I do think that the Ergobaby Adapt is worth it’s price tag, I feel some new mums may be put off. Having been able to try the carrier, I would definitely pay for it and recommend it to a friend, however without trying the product I may have been put off by the price tag.
Tested by mum Caroline Brogan for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would yes – it’s perfect for folding up small on the move, the material is soft yet it's definitely strong. It’s easy to pop out the little hood for shade/sleeping and adjust in front carry mode the support around the head. I think it's great that the max weight is more extended, especially if your child is on the top of the percentage scale.
How did this product make your life easier?
I would be absolutely lost without it – especially when my little one has been on full cling on mode, as I'm able to pop her in and continue with what I was doing. I wish I had the Ergobaby Adapt when she was smaller, as it would have been great for carrying her as she has really bad reflux and never wanted to be put down. Also because it's so comfortable to wear, I often choose this over my buggy when I’m going somewhere too busy.
Would you choose this product to win?
It's so so comfortable! I initially tried my baby with a wrap-style carrier, but she didn't like it and I was very nervous that she would fall out of it. The Ergobaby Adapt has been perfect for us both – it’s easy for me to use when I'm on my own, and I love how easy it is to adjust the straps when baby is in the carrier – my husband and I are both confident using it.
What changes would you make to this product?
I really love this carrier, I think possibly the only thing I would change would be the option to forward face. I would also have loved a link to a video demo, as I sometimes find picture instructions hard to understand. Another change that I’d really benefit from would be a small pocket for change or snacks?
Product Information
Suitable for babies from newborn - 20kg (approximately three years).